Politics

O V E R V I E W

Why study Politics?

Politics influences us all every day and studying Politics allows us to be able to see how the world around us is being shaped and our role within it. Universities and employers view Politics as an academically rigorous subject, which shows an interest in, and awareness of, current issues. To study Politics, it is expected that you will already have an interest in current affairs and this will be utilised throughout the course. Students will develop a wide range of skills throughout their course of study, including the ability to comprehend, synthesise and interpret political information; identify connections and analyse political knowledge; as well as construct and communicate arguments coherently on the page and in person. Debating and discussions make up much of the learning process. The course offered will allow all students the opportunity to develop their understanding of British and American Politics as well as key political ideologies. It develops key transferable skills and combines well with other social sciences. Even if not taken to higher education it is excellent preparation for becoming an informed adult.

How is the course assessed?

Component 1: UK Politics (*Component code: 9PL0/01)

Written examination: 2 hours

UK Politics – Part One students will study: • Democracy and Participation • Political Parties • Electoral Systems • Voting Behaviour and the Media

Core Political Ideas – Part Two students will study: • Conservatism • Liberalism • Socialism

Component 2: UK Government (*Component code: 9PL0/02) Written examination: 2 hours

UK Government – Part One students will study: • The Constitution • Parliament • Prime Minister and Executive • Relationships between institutions

Non-Core Political Ideas – Part Two students will study: • Anarchism

Component 3: Comparative Politics (*Component code: 9PL0/3A)

Written examination: 2 hours

Government and Politics of the USA students will study:

• the US Constitution and Federalism, • US Congress • US Presidency • US Supreme Court and Civil Rights, • Democracy and Participation • Comparative Approaches

Head of Department

Miss E M Treherne

Examination Board

Pearson/Edexcel

Specification

9PLO

Entry requirements

As an A level only subject, students need to have an interest in the subject and the world. They must have either a grade 6 in History or a grade 6 in an English GCSE, it is desirable to gain a grade 7 in both.